Author: Holly Nellis

Whenever the topic of film musicals is discussed, many famous stars are remembered. The late 1940s to the 1950s was a period that involved a number of unique and talented performers, whether they were actors, singers, dancers, or possibly all of the above. Gene Kelly, a master of all three, was one of the most prominent stars during this time. Kelly, although recognized today as one of the greats, reached the height of his career during the early 1950s with the releases of his films, An American in Paris and Singin’ in the Rain. Unfortunately, by the end of the 1950s, the film musical genre was reaching the end of its life. While Kelly continued to make films after the 1950s, nothing ever came close to the spectacle that was these two masterpieces. Even still, Gene Kelly danced and sang his way into people’s hearts and created an illustrious career and legacy that will continue to live on. Gene Kelly began dancing at a very young age and by the time he was a teenager, …

Holly Nellis is a graduating senior and a Cinema Studies major. Holly hopes to further her career in the entertainment industry through writing and producing. Although she loves film, you'll be more likely to see her name on a television show one day! In addition to working on her own writing and video projects over the summer, Holly will begin an internship at Disneyland in Anaheim, California this fall. She hopes to use this opportunity to explore a new area of the country, but also create a long-lasting career with the company.

As many people are aware, Robert Downey Jr. has had a tumultuous life and career. Despite garnering a significant amount of celebrity in his younger years, a variety of drug use related incidents occurred during that time. Interestingly enough, those incidents have now shaped and created the star image that Downey portrays today. In a world where society watches their every move, celebrities must always be vigilant about the way they act and what star image they project. Robert Downey Jr. is an excellent example of how hard work and perseverance can truly turn someone’s life and star image around as long as they are willing to take another chance. Downey’s drug problems started at a young age “when his dad, a director of underground films, introduced him to pot before the age of nine.”[1] As time wore on, his heavy use of drugs began to affect his career during the late 1980s to the early 2000s. It seemed as though he could no longer keep up with the demands of Hollywood. Instead, he was …

Holly Nellis is a graduating senior and a Cinema Studies major. Holly hopes to further her career in the entertainment industry through writing and producing. Although she loves film, you'll be more likely to see her name on a television show one day! In addition to working on her own writing and video projects over the summer, Holly will begin an internship at Disneyland in Anaheim, California this fall. She hopes to use this opportunity to explore a new area of the country, but also create a long-lasting career with the company.